Backyard Small Pistol Penetration Tests

Over on The High Road, “marb4” posted a thread in which he tested the penetration and expansion of several different loads from small handguns.

The loads tested were:

• 9mm Speer Gold Dot 115 grain JHP
• Federal .380 ACP Hydrashock 90 grain JHP low-recoil
• Winchester .380 95 grain FMJ flat nose
• Remington .38 Special 148 grain wadcutter
• CCI .22 LR 40 grain Mini Mag lead round nose.

The penetration of the two .380 loads and the CCI .22 LR Mini Mags is especially impressive. I load Federal 95 grain FMJ-RN in my Ruger LCP .380 because I’ve been concerned that .380 lacks penetration. It looks like some of the modern .380 JHPs may actually penetrate deeply enough.

I've always suggested Mini Mag solids for someone who must use a .22 for defense, because (1) solids penetrate better than hollowpoints, especially from a .22 rifle, (2) CCI rimfire ammunition has the most reliable priming in my experience, and (3) Mini Mags work reliably in every .22 autoloader that I’ve tried them in, something I cannot say for any other type of ammunition.

My Springfield XD9 is loaded with 9mm 124 grain Gold Dots.

With the popularity of the Kel-Tec P32, I’d like to see similar testing done with a few different .32 ACP loads. Many people, including myself, recommend a European-spec .32 FMJ load to get adequate penetration. It would be nice to see if any of the modern JHPs can penetrate at least 12”.

Kudos to marb4 for providing us with some additional data on with which to choose carry loads.

Observations from a guy with one hand all bandaged up

This morning I had surgery to fix "trigger finger” on my right thumb. It was done under a local anesthetic and only took about a half hour. It went well and I really didn’t start having any pain until after almost eight hours, but my hand is wrapped with a bulky bandage that I have to keep it dry and clean for a week.

The trigger finger started last October and was temporarily resolved with a steroid shot into the base of my thumb. That was fun. Not. It started recurring about midway through April and I finally got the surgery to permanently fix it today.

Thankfully, it’s my right hand and I’m a lefty. But the experience is making me more appreciative of having two properly functioning hands.

One tool I’m currently unable to use is a regular slip joint pocketknife, like my favorite Victorinox Pioneer. Because of the side that the nail slots are on the blades, I find them very awkward to open with my left hand. I use the blade everyday, and frequently use the bottle opener for a beer after dinner. (I won’t be drinking anything as long as I’m taking Tylenol 3, though.) So, until I regain use of my right thumb I’ll be relying on my Kershaw Leek assisted opener.

Prior to the procedure it was quite difficult to rack the slide on a semi auto pistol. Right now it would be very, very difficult if not impossible. Loading mags would be hard without something like a LULA. A revolver will be easier to use. I could probably run a rifle or shotgun without too much problem, however.

Doing any work in my home shop is a no-go, since getting cutting oil and metal ships embedded in the bandage wouldn’t be good.

My biggest worry if TSHTF now would be avoiding infection for the next few days. I’d have to take extra steps to protect the incision and keeping it dry. I’m thinking that plastic wrap and/or tape would serve to keep it from getting contaminated. (I’m on the antibiotic Clindamycin as a prophylactic for a few days.)

Taking a shower tomorrow morning will be interesting.

Compared to the medical issues some other forum members have experienced this is a small potatoes, and I should be returning to work tomorrow, but it’s a hassle nonetheless. I expect my hand to heal rapidly but this could be more than a hassle under the wrong circumstances.